Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
J.comp. Physiol.
Volume
93
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Publication Date
1-1-1974
First Page
183
Last Page
193
Abstract
Intraspecific nest defense in Lasioglossum zephyrum involves specific agonistic action patterns by guard bees released by non-resident intruders. When guards are not highly motivated, intention movements are exhibited which also occur in the context of more aggressive interactions. Antennation, either mutual or by one bee, usually occurs prior to aggressive movements. Two main action patterns occur when a non-resident bee attempts to enter a nest: (1) the guard blocks the nest entrance with the abdomen, which often leads to backing movements and abdominal thrusts to eject the intruder, (2) the guard assumes a fight posture with head and abdomen extended toward the intruder; from the fighting posture, lunging often results in which the guard moves forward, alternating between head (mandibular) and abdomen (sting) thrusts. Most interactions are one-sided, with the intruder retreating from the guard, but mutual more intense fighting does occur.
Recommended Citation
Bell, William J. and Hawkins, W. A., "Patterns of Intraspecific Agonistic Interactions Involved in Nest Defense of a Primitively Eusocial Halictine Bee" (1974). Ba. Paper 47.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_ba/47